Party Planning 101

Happy 2012!

When my kids learned it was new year's eve they got excited. They of course have no idea why or what it means, but after watching television they learned that you get to go to a party on new year's eve. They couldn't wait to hear where we were all going to party.

We, of course, had no new year's plans.

Party plans were made when the kids learned this. The oldest twins went into full party planning mode. In a matter of six minutes they had our entire evening planned.

The next thing I know is my first born was asking where our Pin the Tail on the Donkey game was. When I informed him we don't have one he took matters into his own hands. Before I knew it he had made us a Pin the Nose on the Guy game. He even drew and cut out six noses. Labeled each one with our initials and put tape on the back of them.

Our new year's party started with wheelbarrow races. The winner got to pin the nose on the guy first. Second place went second, and etc.

After those two activities were over the kids wanted to do puzzle races. Due to Pin the Nose on the Guy lasting a littler longer than anticipated we skipped the puzzle races and went strait to the party poppers, champagne (faux) and strawberries.

The kids loved it! A little more than I thought they would. And they seemed a little too comfortable drinking that champagne ;)

We then all headed upstairs to try out my new s'mores maker. (A Christmas present from my kids.) The s'mores were delightful and extremely gooey!

I couldn't think of a better way to bring in the new year.

It was a great night!

Last time ever

Carson and Owen have officially joined their brother and sister for summer break.

Preschool is over...forever for them. They will never ever go to preschool again. This is one of those bittersweet moments for me. I tend to get a little sentimental about things like this. I hate that my kids are growing up right before my eyes. Why can't time slow down?

I guess there's nothing I can do about it, but try to enjoy the moment.

The first day of school vs. the last day of school.

Ready for the last day of preschool.

All the kids in the class made their very own dinosaur t-shirt to wear on the last day of school. They all looked so cute in them.

A "picnic" with family and friends.

Friends from school.

Goodbye Mrs. Wilbur and Mrs. Baird. We'll miss you!

The Fourth of July

We typically go to my in-law's cabin in Nebraska for the Fourth of July. This year was no different. They always have a fantastic party (with party shirts for everybody) that has grown and grown over the years. The party officially begins with the adults vs. kids volleyball game at the top of the hill at Murphy's cabin. The adults always win the volleyball game thanks to my father-in-law's unique scoring system. (And when I say kids, I mean anyone under the age of 45.) During and after the volleyball game the younger kids play mini golf or go down the Super Slide (which came from FantaSea right here in Wichita, KS. It's the real deal.) Carson loved the super slide this year! Owen, not so much. Going down once was enough for Owen. After socializing and when those activities are over everybody heads to my in-law's cabin for an outstanding cook-out with the most amazing food you could imagine. The night ends (in theory) with fireworks. The fireworks show is always an adventure! Too hard to explain why. Take my word. During the fireworks show the little kids glow. They have glow necklaces, bracelets and glow suckers. The Fourth of July party is fun for all ages. This year the forecast said it was supposed to rain all day. It sprinkled in the morning, but the skies cleared up by 2pm. It was a beautiful day!

Carson and Owen swimming with Papa as Daddy watches.

Testing some fireworks on July 03.

Stella watches Owen golf.

My Father-In-Law explaining the ever changing rules.

Watching the game...or shall I say pretending to watch the volleyball game as they socialize.

Isaac even got a party shirt.

Cousin Kate and Stella with their hair and t-shirts alike.

Carson runs down the Super Slide. (This makes his mama a little nervous.)

And into the water he goes!

Owen preferred to observe.

A friendly football game after dinner.

The fireworks platform arrives!

Waiting for the fireworks to start.

Little Jack, Owen and Carson

Kate, Owen, Carson and Jack take their positions for watching fireworks. They've got their suckers, necklaces, and bracelets all lit up. Let the fun begin.

This is actually how dark it was. The kids glow as they watch the fireworks.

Thank you Gary and Nancy and all our friends and family for a wonderful Fourth of July.

Happy birthday Carson. Happy birthday Owen.

Mmm...cupcakes!
Decorated by Carson and Owen. Who knew marshmallows were so good on cupcakes?

Carson and Owen had a great "four" birthday. We went to Nebraska to celebrate the birthday party. Papa and Mimi were so kind to open their house, yet once again, to host a Wright birthday party. We started out the day by putting hand prints on the boys' birthday tablecloths followed by decorating cupcakes. This has become tradition. After the cupcakes were done it was time for the party to officially begin. We had a nice lunch, sang happy birthday, opened presents, played, went swimming, played some more, ate dinner (complete with homemade ice cream made by Great Grandma Porter), and played one last time before going to bed. It was a fun filled day! Thank you to all who made it so special for Carson and Owen.

Carson's and Owen's actual birthday was on Sunday. (We had the party on Saturday.) Both boys knew that Sunday was their real birthday so to celebrate they got to blow out birthday candles on thier pancakes. This seemed to make them happy and feel special for another day.

Carson ready for his hand print.

Singing happy birthday to Carson and Owen. Carson had a Batman cake and Owen had a Spider-Man birthday cake. They were very cool!





Owen trying on his new Superman suit, including hair, belt and sewn in briefs.





Uncle Mark and Owen flying Superman kites. We are wondering who had more fun...Uncle Mark or the boys?

Candles in their pancakes on their actual birthday.